Since its inception, The American Legion has been devoted to serving the communities that many of its members fought to protect. Naturally, the Legion, over the years, has developed a plethora of charities, programs and initiatives that offer unique aid and services to servicemembers, veterans, children and youth, communities, military families and citizens who are in need. In the past, the process of making a monetary contribution to one of them has often involved more steps than necessary. That process has been improved significantly with the introduction of a new donation page at www.legion.org/donate[2].

Anyone wishing to make a tax-deductible contribution can visit the page to donate to specific American Legion charities, programs or funds. Major credit cards are accepted. The site is safe, secure and easy to use. For example, a donor can specify a monetary contribution to The American Legion's Endowment Fund, which provides financial assistance to disabled veterans, military families and young people with a deployed parent. Individuals who are graduates of the Legion's Boys Nation program can donate directly to the program that taught them the basics of the law-making process and the importance of civic responsibilities. Through the site, donations can be made to a number of other Legion initiatives, such as the Child Welfare Foundation, the Operation Comfort Warriors program, the Legacy Scholarship Fund and the National Emergency Fund.

The page also has a Planned Giving option, which provides avenues of donations in the form marketable securities, real estate, cash gifts, collectibles, life insurance policies and other valuable items. Donations of this nature can potentially reduce the tax liability of inheritance. Additionally, tax benefits are available to those who include The American Legion in their estate plans.